Where to find and change your default camera

Windows 11 lets you pick which camera app opens when you click a photo or video shortcut. The setting lives in your system preferences under Default apps, and the change takes effect when ready — no restart needed.

To change it, open Settings (press Windows key + I), then go to Apps in the left sidebar. Select Default apps from the main menu. Scroll down until you see Camera listed with your current default app next to it. Click on that app name, and a window will show you all the camera apps installed on your machine. Select the one you want to use instead.

If you don't see Camera in the Default apps list, it means you have only one camera app installed, or Windows doesn't recognize any of your installed apps as camera software. In that case, there's nothing to change — Windows will use whatever camera app you have.

Key Takeaways

  • Your default camera app is set in Settings > Apps > Default apps, where you can click Camera and choose from installed options.
  • Windows 11 comes with the Camera app built in, but you can switch to a third-party app like OBS Studio or Snap Camera if you have it installed.
  • The change takes effect right away without restarting your computer.
  • If Camera doesn't appear in your Default apps list, you likely have only one camera app on your system.

What camera apps work as defaults in Windows 11

Not every photo or video app can be set as your default camera. Windows only shows apps that are registered with the system as camera software. The built-in Camera app that comes with Windows 11 is always an option if you haven't removed it.

Third-party apps that often appear in the default camera list include OBS Studio (used for streaming and recording), Snap Camera (for video calls with filters), and some manufacturer apps if you have a specialized camera device connected. If you install a new camera app and it doesn't show up in the Default apps menu, the app may not be set up to work as a system default, or it may need to be launched once before Windows recognizes it.

Why you might want to change your default camera

You might switch defaults if the built-in Camera app doesn't have features you need, or if you prefer a different interface. Some people use OBS Studio as their default because it offers more control over recording quality and file format. Others use Snap Camera for video calls because it includes real-time filters and effects.

Changing your default also matters if you use keyboard shortcuts or voice commands to open your camera. When you say "Hey Cortana, open camera" or use a quick-launch button, Windows will open whatever app you've set as default rather than always opening the built-in Camera app.

How to check which app is currently set as default

Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and scroll to Camera. The app name shown next to Camera is your current default. If you see just "Camera" with no other name, you're using the built-in Windows Camera app.

You can also see which app opens when you use your camera by testing it: press Windows key + V to open the Camera app shortcut, or use any app that requests camera access (like a video call app). Whichever app launches is your current default.

What to do if your preferred camera app isn't in the list

If the camera app you want to use doesn't appear in the Default apps menu, try launching it once from your Start menu or taskbar. Some apps need to run at least once before Windows registers them as available defaults. After you open it, go back to Settings > Apps > Default apps and check if it now appears in the Camera list.

If it still doesn't show up, the app may not be designed to work as a system default camera. Check the app's documentation or settings to see if there's a way to register it with Windows. Some apps require you to enable a specific option inside the app itself before they can be used as defaults.

Reverting to the built-in Camera app

If you change your default to a third-party app and later want to go back to the built-in Camera app, follow the same steps: Settings > Apps > Default apps > Camera, then select Camera from the list. The built-in app is always available as an option unless you've uninstalled it from your system.

If you've uninstalled the built-in Camera app and want it back, you can reinstall it from the Microsoft Store. Search for "Camera" in the Store app and select the official Microsoft Camera app, then click Install.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my default camera affect video calls in Teams or Zoom?

No. Video call apps like Teams and Zoom have their own camera settings and don't use your system default. They let you pick which camera to use inside the app itself, separate from your Windows default. Changing your default camera won't change which camera those apps use unless you also change the setting within each app.

Can I set different default cameras for different apps?

No. Windows only lets you set one system-wide default camera. However, individual apps like Teams, Zoom, or OBS Studio have their own camera selection menus where you can pick a different camera for that app alone. The system default only matters for shortcuts and commands that don't specify which app to use.

What happens if I uninstall my default camera app?

Windows will automatically switch to another available camera app if you uninstall your default. If you have only the built-in Camera app and you uninstall it, you'll need to reinstall it from the Microsoft Store before you can use camera shortcuts again.

Do I need to restart Windows after changing my default camera?

No. The change takes effect when ready. Any new camera shortcuts or commands will use your new default right away.